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My puppy has kennel cough. Should I wait or see a vet immediately?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Male | neutered | 5 months and 10 days old | 7 lbs

I'm pretty sure that my puppy has kennel cough and I want to know if waiting for an appointment on Monday and treating his symptoms is ok or if he needs to see a vet Right away

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2018

Kennel cough is not an emergency unless your dog is in respiratory distress. It should be ok to wait until Monday. Should your dog get a discharge from the nose and/or eyes or start having breathing problems, you need to take it to a vet right away.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 3rd, 2017

    Hello. I am sorry that Nibbler isn't feeling well. Kennel cough is usually caused by a viral infection which is most often self-limiting. Medications are only required when there is a bacterial component (the cough becomes wet, or you see discharge from the nose/eyes), or if the coughing is so severe that Nibbler is exhausted or can't eat. If it is just a minor cough, and you are sure it is Kennel cough, then you can wait. However, a cough can also be due to heart disease, pneumonia, collapsing trachea, etc. Any cough I would suggest getting seen as dogs can get much worse very quickly if Kennel Cough isn't the cause. If Nibbler is lethargic, having trouble breathing, not wanting to eat, or the cough is non-stop and excessive, then I wouldn't wait. Good luck with Nibbler.

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 17th, 2017

    Thanks for posting this question! "Kennel cough" is a broad term used to describe upper respiratory infections. Most of the time these are viral and self limiting ( such as a cold in people). However, just like colds in people sometimes dogs can develop secondary problems such as bronchitis or pneumonia. These secondary problems tend to be seen more with very young, old, or immune compromised dogs. My rule of thumb is if they are coughing but otherwise eating/ drinking/active then I let the virus run its course. If they are not eating, lethargic, or otherwise behaving sick then they should be seen. It is never wrong to have them examined if you are worried. I hope this is helpful! Good Luck!

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